Ohhhh this was so GOOD. So cute and heartwarming and just everything I needed in a golem retelling. I was pleasantly surprised when I got the email from Wednesday Books with the offer to arc read this one and I’m thrilled I took them up on their offer.

Terra and Thorne were just *chef’s kiss* and I’m so glad they both got their happy ending.

Woven from Clay by Jennifer Birch

🌟 Woven from Clay is a masterpiece of contemporary fantasy that blends magic, mystery, and self-discovery into a breathtaking, fast-paced adventure. Jennifer Birch has crafted a story that is as emotionally powerful as it is captivating, and it is one that sticks with you long after you turn the last page. 🤩✨

Meet Terra Slater – a fierce, determined high school senior who thought she had her life all figured out. Her plans? Have the best senior year ever. But oh boy, does that get upended when Thorne Wilder– a brooding, mysterious magical bounty hunter – walks into town with some devastating news: Terra isn’t human. She’s a golem, a creature of clay and magic, brought to life by a fugitive warlock named Cyrus Quill. 😱💥

Suddenly, Terra’s entire existence is turned upside down. Not only does she have to grapple with the shock of her true nature, but she also learns that the warlock who created her is on the run from the witches who want him dead. And if Quill dies? So does she. And the other golems he created. No pressure, right? 💀

In an effort to save herself and her friends, Terra strikes an uneasy alliance with Thorne and his coven. Together, they must work to master the magical power within Terra before time runs out. As Thorne trains her, an unexpected bond forms between them, and Terra begins to discover just how much power she holds—not just over the magic, but over her own fate. 🌙✨

What really makes Woven from Clay stand out is its unique premise and the emotional depth it offers. Terra’s struggle to understand her identity as a golem, torn between her constructed nature and the yearning to be human, is so incredibly relatable. There’s a raw vulnerability in her journey as she grapples with her origins and learns to embrace her power. I loved how Birch explored themes of self-worth, belonging, and what it means to be truly alive.

And then, there’s the romance between Terra and Thorne. It’s slow-burn, charged, and packed with so much tension and heart. Thorne, with his mysterious past and conflicted loyalties, is the perfect foil to Terra’s fiery determination. Watching their relationship unfold, moving from wary allies to something deeper, was one of my favorite parts of the story. It’s a romance built on mutual respect, trust, and shared sacrifice, and it had me all in. 🔥❤️

The magic system in this book is so intricate and beautifully imagined. Terra’s ability to manipulate the tapestry of magic around her—understanding its weave, its threads, and how they affect her—adds a layer of complexity and wonder to the narrative. Birch’s writing is lush and vivid, drawing you into a world where magic is as much a part of Terra as her bones and blood. The idea of golems, magical bounty hunters, and covens feels fresh and inventive, and it gave the story a rich sense of fantastical history. 🪄✨

But Woven from Clay isn't just about magic—it's also about identity, growth, and the fight for one’s place in the world. Terra’s arc of self-empowerment, as she learns to embrace both her magic and her humanity, is inspiring and emotional. She’s not just fighting for her survival; she’s fighting to prove that she matters—even if she was “created” instead of born. It’s a powerful narrative about finding meaning and purpose in a world that might not always see you as more than what you are at face value.

If you love:

Unique magical systems
Slow-burn, enemies-to-allies romance
Deep character development
Emotional journeys of self-discovery
A strong heroine overcoming the odds

Then Woven from Clay is a MUST-read! 🌟

This book will draw you in, keep you on the edge of your seat, and make you fall in love with its characters and world. I can’t wait for everyone to get their hands on this one. It’s a stunning debut from Jennifer Birch, and I’ll be first in line for whatever she writes next! 💫📚

Thank you to NetGalley, Jennifer Birch, and Wednesday Books for the eARC of this fantastic YA book.

*Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books Marketing for a ARC in exchange for an honest review.*

Woven From Clay by Jennifer Birch was a fun, quick, and easy read. The story flowed smoothly, making it easy to get lost in the characters and their journey. It didn’t take long to get through, but it still offered plenty of depth and enjoyment. Perfect for anyone looking for a light, engaging book that’s easy to pick up and hard to put down.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book! Below is my honest review.

DNFed at 28%. I couldn’t get into this book. The premises was interesting, which is why I picked it up. I’ve never heard of a book about golems, so I had decently high hopes for it. However, I found it to be a little cringey. New mysterious hot guy comes to school. Girl who finds out she’s made out of magic. Guy best friend who is in love with her (almost obsessed too because he literally tells her he won’t stop pursuing her until she loves him back. Girl continues to be in situations with new guy despite her best “attempts” to not be around him. New guy is so mysterious and borderline creepy. As much as I wanted to enjoy this book, it couldn’t really get behind the writing and how tropey it was.

3.5 stars atm

An interesting contemporary fantasy! I've never read about golems before and I enjoyed how themes of humanity were explored with it. The world of witches was also interesting. Some of the only qualms I had: the Earth-related names were a bit heavy-handed and the romance wasn't really enemies to lovers, more annoyance to lovers, but I understand that that might just be for the marketing.
This was a pretty good debut!

I was over the moon to find this surprise in my inbox the other morning. A golem crafted from mud and magic? Excuse me. ✨ Thank you so much, Wednesday Books, for an ARC of this upcoming release and for bringing this book to my attention. Let me tell you - this did not disappoint. I loved this book so much!

"Woven From Clay" is a captivating story that weaves together elements of pure enchantment—a paranormal fantasy brimming with magic, suspense, strong-willed characters, and a slow-burn romance. The manifestation of magic throughout the narrative is refreshingly unique, breathing life into the story in ways that keep you on the edge of your seat. The premise is intriguing, and the plot unfolds with such precision that I found myself completely engrossed, devouring every page with eagerness. It truly was the most delightful experience!

I especially appreciated how the ending provided a satisfying sense of closure while still leaving the door ajar for the potential continuation of the story. Although I'm unsure whether this will evolve into a series, I would undoubtedly be first in line to read more, as the journey captivated me beyond measure. This author is officially on my radar (and she should be on yours, too!!!)

My only real critique, which is more of a suggestion, would be a POV from Willow towards the end. This would be a great addition; everyone loves the gift of a bonus chapter or two. 😉

The publication date is set for August 12, 2025. Be sure to add this one to your TBR list and preorder once it becomes available. I'm praying it gets picked up for a special edition and that this book gets all the love it deserves.

As always, all thoughts are my own. ✨🖤

This book was so satisfying and was jam packed with amazing visuals. It's both fascinating and enjoyable, but also thought provoking. .The whole magic concept was crafted thoughtfully and the ending was so good. I would love to read more by this author!

A special thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books Marketing for a ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Woven From Clay is an exhilarating blend of magic and self-discovery that had me hooked from the start! Terra’s journey from a confused girl to a powerful golem mastering her magic is beautifully layered, and her determination to forge her own path is incredibly inspiring. The chemistry between her and Thorne is electric, filled with tension and vulnerability that made my heart race. Their alliance evolves in such a compelling way, and every moment they spent together added depth to both their characters. The world-building is rich and immersive, painting a vivid picture of the magical tapestry that holds everything together. I was captivated by the themes of identity, belonging, and love, making this story resonate deeply. I couldn't help but cheer for Terra as she fought not just for her life, but for her friends and her newfound family. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves a good mix of magic and heartfelt growth.